EP0350793B1 - Diviseur à intensité variable et aiguilleur de faisceaux - Google Patents

Diviseur à intensité variable et aiguilleur de faisceaux Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0350793B1
EP0350793B1 EP89112380A EP89112380A EP0350793B1 EP 0350793 B1 EP0350793 B1 EP 0350793B1 EP 89112380 A EP89112380 A EP 89112380A EP 89112380 A EP89112380 A EP 89112380A EP 0350793 B1 EP0350793 B1 EP 0350793B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
beam splitter
optical
launcher according
alignment
path
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EP89112380A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP0350793A3 (en
EP0350793A2 (fr
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William E. Durell
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/10—Beam splitting or combining systems
    • G02B27/1073—Beam splitting or combining systems characterized by manufacturing or alignment methods
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/10—Beam splitting or combining systems
    • G02B27/12—Beam splitting or combining systems operating by refraction only
    • G02B27/126—The splitting element being a prism or prismatic array, including systems based on total internal reflection
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/10—Beam splitting or combining systems
    • G02B27/14—Beam splitting or combining systems operating by reflection only
    • G02B27/144—Beam splitting or combining systems operating by reflection only using partially transparent surfaces without spectral selectivity
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/10—Beam splitting or combining systems
    • G02B27/14—Beam splitting or combining systems operating by reflection only
    • G02B27/145—Beam splitting or combining systems operating by reflection only having sequential partially reflecting surfaces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/28—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00 for polarising
    • G02B27/283—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00 for polarising used for beam splitting or combining
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/64—Imaging systems using optical elements for stabilisation of the lateral and angular position of the image
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B5/00—Optical elements other than lenses
    • G02B5/30—Polarising elements
    • G02B5/3025—Polarisers, i.e. arrangements capable of producing a definite output polarisation state from an unpolarised input state
    • G02B5/3066—Polarisers, i.e. arrangements capable of producing a definite output polarisation state from an unpolarised input state involving the reflection of light at a particular angle of incidence, e.g. Brewster's angle
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
    • G02B6/28—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals
    • G02B6/2804—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals forming multipart couplers without wavelength selective elements, e.g. "T" couplers, star couplers
    • G02B6/2817—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals forming multipart couplers without wavelength selective elements, e.g. "T" couplers, star couplers using reflective elements to split or combine optical signals
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
    • G02B6/32—Optical coupling means having lens focusing means positioned between opposed fibre ends
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
    • G02B6/3834—Means for centering or aligning the light guide within the ferrule
    • G02B6/3843—Means for centering or aligning the light guide within the ferrule with auxiliary facilities for movably aligning or adjusting the fibre within its ferrule, e.g. measuring position or eccentricity
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
    • G02B6/4201—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details
    • G02B6/4219—Mechanical fixtures for holding or positioning the elements relative to each other in the couplings; Alignment methods for the elements, e.g. measuring or observing methods especially used therefor
    • G02B6/422—Active alignment, i.e. moving the elements in response to the detected degree of coupling or position of the elements
    • G02B6/4226—Positioning means for moving the elements into alignment, e.g. alignment screws, deformation of the mount
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/3616—Holders, macro size fixtures for mechanically holding or positioning fibres, e.g. on an optical bench
    • G02B6/3624—Fibre head, e.g. fibre probe termination

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a beam splitter and launcher with features as recited in the preamble of claim 1.
  • a prior art beam splitter and launcher of this general type is shown in Fig. 6 of US-A-4,697,882.
  • Beam splitters for coherent light beams are used in a variety of applications, including holography and interferometery. Some such applications need to be capable of directing a full range, from near zero to essentially 100% of the input light, to either output beam.
  • the beam splitters known in the art have generally been unduly complex and expensive, particularly for applications demanding a broad ratio of intensities for the split beams. In some systems adjustments or variations of several components have been required each time the beam splitting ration changes.
  • the beam splitter and launcher as shown in the abovementioned U.S. Patent includes an optical splitting element being arranged so that the intensity ratio between the two output beams can be varied by varying the angle of incidence of the input beam.
  • Eyepieces are provided for observing the two output light beams of the optical splitting element, i.e. the light as transmitted by said element and the light as reflected by the element.
  • the eyepieces are arranged in such a manner that they directly look into the output surfaces of the splitting element where the output light beams emerge from the splitting element which is rotable for varying the intensity ratio between the output beams. This arrangement is intended for use in a reverse-Galilean finder.
  • a first object of the invention is to provide a new and improved beam splitter and launcher for a polarized light beam, incorporating a unique optical assembly that is simple and inexpensive in construction yet essentially immune to most ordinary vibration and shock effects, and that consistently launches the output beams through two optical fibers or other like transmission elements.
  • a second object of the invention is to provide a new and improved beam splitter/beam launcher in which the output beams are always aligned along essentially the same paths despite substantial variations in the orientation of the main optical assembly of the splitter made to change the output intensity ratio, thereby minimizing alignment problems.
  • Fig. 1 affords a plan view of a continuously variable ratio beam splitter and beam launcher 10, constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, for dividing an input polarized light beam into two polarized output beams.
  • Device 10 comprises an optical apparatus 11 provided with a rotary adjustment member 12; adjustment member 12 may be a conventional micrometer screw or head.
  • Optical apparatus 11 is mounted on a frame 15. The optical apparatus receives, as an input, a coherent, polarized light beam projected along an input beam path 13 from a stationary light source 14.
  • the light source may comprise a conventional laser.
  • Beam splitter 10 further comprises first and second lenses 16 and 17 mounted on frame 15 at right angles to each other.
  • the first lens 16 is aligned approximately with the input light beam path 13, with some limited deviation to account for minor refractions in optical apparatus 11, as better seen in Fig. 2.
  • Positioner 21 includes two coordinate position adjustment members 22 and 23; members 22 and 23 are preferably micrometer heads.
  • an optical fiber cable 24 is aligned at the focal point of the second lens 17; cable 24 is held in a cable holder 25 extending through a positioning device 28 that incorporates two coordinate micrometer head position adjustment members 26 and 27.
  • Optic fiber cables 18 and 24 serve as light transmission elements, transmitting two output beams from device 10 to one or more remote locations.
  • Optic fiber cables 18 and 24 are preferably of the single mode type, of the kind sometimes known as single-mode polarization-preserving fibers.
  • the diameter of the fiber itself may be approximately four microns or substantially less.
  • a coherent initial polarized light beam from source 14 enters optical apparatus 11 along path 13.
  • apparatus 11 that initial beam is divided into two output beams, a first beam 31 directed through lens 16 and a second beam 32 directed through lens 17.
  • the ends of fiber optic cables 18 and 24 are located at the focal points of lenses 16 and 17, respectively. Accordingly, each optical fiber captures substantially all of its associated output beam (31 or 32).
  • the two output beams 31 and 32 are launched from device 10, through transmission elements 18 and 24, for use at some distant location.
  • Output beams 31 and 32 are themselves polarized, with the same polarization and waveform as input beam 13. That polarization and waveform can be preserved in the transmission elements, cables 18 and 24, with appropriate precautions.
  • cables 18 and 24 afford related polarized light outputs suitable for holography, for demonstration of interference properties, and other applications.
  • Fig. 2 shows, in partly schematic form, the optical elements for the optical apparatus 11 in the beam splitter/beam launcher 10.
  • Apparatus 11 incorporates an optical assembly 40 (a so-called “optical array") including first, second and third right angle prisms 41,42 and 43, and a penta prism 44, all mounted on a rotatable optical support 61.
  • the first right angle prism 41 has a hypotenuse surface 45 and first and second side (normal) surfaces 46 and 47.
  • the second right angle prism 42 has a hypotenuse surface 48 and first and second side surfaces 49 and 51.
  • the third right angle prism 43 has a hypotenuse surface 52 and first and second side surfaces 53 and 54.
  • the penta prism 44 has first and second right angle surfaces 55 and 56 and is of conventional configuration.
  • prism 41 is aligned with its hypotenuse surface 45 facing the hypotenuse surface 52 of the third prism 43, so that prisms 41 and 43 afford an optical divider for an input beam from source 14, on path 13X.
  • the penta prism 44 has its first right-angle side 55 facing and engaging the second side surface 54 of prism 43.
  • the second right angle prism 42 is aligned with the penta prism 44, with surface 51 of prism 42 facing and engaging surface 56 of prism 44 so that hypotenuse surface 48 of prism 42 projects at an angle of 45° to surface 54 of prism 43.
  • All of the four prisms 41-44 are mounted in fixed positions, as shown in Fig. 2, on the rotatable optical support 61; adhesive mounting may be utilized.
  • Support 61 is rotatable about an axis 62 perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.
  • Axis 62 is located at a point on the input light beam path, 13X in Fig. 2, beyond the prisms 41 and 43 which serve as an optical divider in array 40 as explained below.
  • support 61 If support 61 is now rotated clockwise through a small angle, it may be aligned with light source 14 so that the initial input beam enters array 40 along the path 13A. As the input beam passes through surface 53 of prism 43 it is refracted slightly to the path 13A1, which impinges on the hypotenuse surface 52 of prism 43 at an angle A. Angle A is one limit for the normal operational range of array 40 (and beam splitter 10); it is the so-called critical angle for prism 43, at which total internal reflection (TIR) occurs.
  • TIR total internal reflection
  • Angle B is the Brewster angle for prism 43 and defines the other limit for the normal operation of optical array 40 and beam splitter 10, with all light transmitted through the facing parallel hypotenuse surfaces 52 and 45 and out through side surface 46 of prism 41 as output beam 31. If there were any light reflected back from surface 52 it would follow the path segments 13B2 through 13B6 to beam 32; actually, virtually no light traverses this path due to the polarization of the input beam.
  • alignment of array 40 for the input path 13B, with the input beam impinging on the hypotenuse surface 52 of prism 43 at the Brewster angle B for polarized light from source 14, defines one limit for an operating range with all light input going to the first output beam 31 and none to the second output beam 32.
  • Rotational alignment to coincidence with path 13A defines the other limit of the operating range, with all input light going to the second output beam 32 and none to beam 31.
  • Angular adjustment of array 40 by rotating its support 61 about axis 62 can provide any desired intensity ratio for the two component output beams 31 and 32; adjustment over the intensity ratio range is continuous.
  • the Brewster angle is about 33° and the critical angle is approximately 41°; the total angular range for operation of array 40 is thus relatively small.
  • the two light output beams 31 and 32 do not necessarily line up precisely on the axes of lenses 16 and 17.
  • the spread for beam 31 typically may be about 0.5 millimeters and for beam 32 about 0.3 millimeters. This causes no substantial loss of efficiency for optical apparatus 11, however, if the input ends of the optical fibers 18 and 24 are located with reasonable accuracy at the foci of their associated lenses.
  • the output beam paths 31 and 32 each have a fixed position and alignment relative to frame 15, and those components of device 10 fixedly mounted on the frame, regardless of adjustments of the optical support 61 within its limited normal operational range.
  • Prisms 41-44 should have mirror and anti-reflection coatings on various appropriate surfaces.
  • Mirror coatings are preferably employed on prism surfaces 48 and on the exposed surfaces of penta prism 44.
  • Anti-reflection coatings should be utilized on prism surfaces 46, 49, and 53.
  • An index-matching adhesive is utilized between surfaces 51 and 56 and surfaces 54 and 55. Over the operating range between the impingement points of paths 13A1 and 13B1 on surface 52 there should be no contact between surfaces 45 and 52; rather, there should be a very thin air space over this range.
  • each of the three right angle prisms 41-43 may have side surfaces with lengths of 12.7 millimeters, with the penta prism having right-angle side surfaces of 10.0 mm.
  • Figs. 3 and 4 show a simple but effective ratio adjustment means used to rotate the optical array 40 and thus adjust the relative intensities of beams 31 and 32.
  • the axially movable plunger 64 of the adjustment member, micrometer head 12 (Fig. 1) engages an inclined cam surface 65 that projects from the angularly movable support 61.
  • a spring 66 connected to cam 65 and to frame 15 biases members 65 and 61 in the direction of arrow D.
  • support 61 and array 40 are turned clockwise, due to inclined cam 65.
  • plunger 64 is retracted support 61 is pulled back counterclockwise by spring 66.
  • Fig. 5 shows a simple mechanism that may be used for positioning device 21 and also for the corresponding device 28 (Fig. 1).
  • Device 21, as shown in Fig. 5, has a rectangular frame formed by four frame members 71-74.
  • a fixed block 75 within the frame supports a first pair of guide members 76; members 76 are pivotable about an axis 81.
  • Guide members 76 in turn carry a second guide member 77; pivotal movement of member 77 is permitted, about an axis 82.
  • a spring 88 interconnects members 75 and 77.
  • the two adjustment members, micrometer heads 22 and 23, afford a precise means for adjusting the lateral position of optical fiber 18, which extends through a tube 101 in guide member 77, into accurate alignment with the axis of lens 16 (Fig. 1) to assure gathering all of beam 31 into the fiber optic cable 18.
  • a brass tube 101 extends through and is affixed to guide member 77.
  • the cylindrical cable holder 19 extends through tube 101 and also extends through a longitudinal stop comprising a collar 102 within which two concentric tubes 103 and 104 are mounted.
  • Tube 103 is longer than tube 104.
  • a set screw 105 extends through collar 102 and tubes 103 and 104 for engagement with cable holder 19.
  • Collar 102 is located at the side of positioning device 21 adjacent lens 16.
  • a collar 107 within which a thin tube 108 is mounted.
  • Tubes 108 and 104 have the same thickness as the tube 101 that is mounted in guide member 77.
  • the internal construction of cable holder 19 is not shown; any appropriate construction, preferably one that accepts conventional fiber termination devices, may be utilized.
  • the axial position of the cable holder is first determined.
  • the inner end 18A of the fiber from cable 18, as previously noted, should be aligned with substantial accuracy at the focus of lens 16.
  • a simple thickness gauge may be employed. When this has been accomplished, set screws 105 and 109 are tightened. This precludes further axial movement of cable holder 19 and assures location of fiber optic end 18A at the desired spacing from lens 16. It is then a simple matter to align the cable laterally with the axis of the lens, using the two micrometer head positioning members 22 and 23 (Figs. 5 and 6).
  • the angular position of cable holder 19 may also be of some importance, particularly since polarization-retaining fibers typically carry polarized light oriented along a specific axis of the optical fiber. Thus, the polarized light must be launched into the optical fiber aligned with the axis of propagation. This can be accomplished simply by loosening set screw 111, which permits rotation of cable holder 19 without requiring for axial movement. The set screw 111 is then tightened. Orientation and alignment may thus be maintained.
  • Beam splitter 10 is far less susceptible to disturbance by external vibration than conventional beam-dividing devices. If beam splitter 10 and its light source 14 are firmly mounted on a common base, most external disturbances have no discernible effect on operation of the beam splitter. As compared to other comparable mechanisms, beam splitter 10 is simple and inexpensive in construction yet highly reliable and precise in operation.
  • Prisms 41 and 43 conjointly afford an optical divider means that performs the basic task of dividing the input beam 13 into first and second intermediate beams having intensities dependent on the alignment of the prism surface 53 with the beam input path, over the range from path 13A to path 13B.
  • a device of this kind known as a "beam splitting cube", is commercially available.
  • Another device that can be used as the initial optical divider, instead of prisms 41,43, is an interference filter; several varieties of interference filter are known.
  • Figs. 7, 8 and 9 illustrate a demonstration device 120 afforded by two simple attachments 121 and 122 on the distal ends of the fiber optic cables 18 and 24.
  • Device 121 is a simple metal block through which a small hole 123 has been drilled at an acute angle, substantially smaller than 45°.
  • Attachment 122 is of similar construction, comprising a metal block through which a small angularly oriented hole 124 extends.
  • the holes 123 and 124 are at matched angles in the two metal blocks 121 and 122 and terminate at a recess 125 formed in both blocks and affording a continuous recess when the blocks are disposed in alignment with each other as shown in the drawings.
  • the optical fiber from cable 18 extends through hole 123 in block 121; similarly, the optical fiber from cable 24 extends through the hole 124 in block 122.
  • the holes 123 and 124 may be of such character as to allow for a slip fit of the terminating ferrules of fibers 18 and 24.
  • the terminating ferrules of fibers 18 and 24 may be held in place by individual set screws (not shown).
  • the inner ends 18B and 24B of the two optical fibers are ground and polished to coincide with the mating surfaces 121A and 122A of blocks 121 and 122.
  • the two blocks 121 and 122 accurately aligned as shown in the drawings, and with the angular relation of the tip ends of the optical fibers properly selected, light emerging from optical fiber top 18B is refracted parallel to surface 121A and light emerging from optical fiber tip 24B is parallel to surface 122A. Since when surfaces 121A and 122A are placed together they are parallel, the light emerging from fibers 18 and 24 is also parallel. Being in very close proximity, with identical waveforms and frequencies, the light emerging from fiber tips 18B and 20B will interfere.
  • the light beam emerging from the fiber optics 18B and 24B may adjusted to change the interference pattern.
  • the light beam emerging from the fiber optics 18B and 24B may be adjusted to change the interference pattern.
  • beam 127 against a blank wall or a screen
  • demonstration of interference properties of monochromatic light beams is readily effected.
  • one or more side guide plates 128 may be affixed to the attachments to assure maintenance of accurate lateral alignment for the fiber optics.
  • Fig. 10 illustrates, in somewhat schematic form, the optical elements for a variable ratio beam splitter/beam launcher comprising a further embodiment of the invention.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 10 incorporates an optical array 240 that includes a right-angle prism 242 and a penta prism 244 mounted upon a rotatable support 261 along with an optical divider 241.
  • Optical divider 241 comprises two optical elements 245 and 246 joined together along a common surface 247.
  • Optical element 245 is aligned with the hypotenuse surface 248 of the right angle prism 242.
  • One right-angle surface 249 of prism 242 faces toward a fiber optic cable 224.
  • the other right angle surface 251 of prism 249 is disposed in intimate contact with and secured by optically matching adhesive to one right angle surface 256 of penta prism 244.
  • Optical array 240 is aligned with a light source 214 that projects a polarized beam of light along an input beam path 213.
  • Support 261 for optical array 240 is pivotally mounted for rotation about an axis 262 that is located on an extension of beam path 213 projecting beyond optical divider 241.
  • variable ratio beam splitter and launcher In considering the operation of the variable ratio beam splitter and launcher of Fig. 10, it may be assumed that support 261 and optical array 240 are aligned in the position shown, with the input light beam on path 213 impinging upon divider 241 at a given angle P.
  • the input light beam continues on into optical divider 241 along a path 213PI.
  • a part of the light beam is reflected from surface 247 and emerges from divider 241 along a path 213P2 that is approximately normal to the lower right angle surface 255 of penta prism 244.
  • this portion of the light beam In prism 244 this portion of the light beam is reflected onto a path 213P3 and then again onto another path 213P4 which passes through the surfaces 251 and 256 into prism 242.
  • this portion of the beam is again reflected and emerges from the prism along an output path 213P6 that impinges upon the end of a fiber optic cable 224.
  • Path 213P7 terminates at the end of an optical fiber cable 218.
  • Rotation of support 261 in a clockwise direction about its pivotal axis 262 is effective to bring a beam path 213Q into alignment with the input beam path 213 from light source 214.
  • the input light beam as divided by divider 241, reflects a portion of the light through penta prism 244, along the paths 213Q2, 213Q3, and 213Q4.
  • the beam emerges from prism 242 along an output path 213Q6, which is now aligned with the end of fiber optic cable 224.
  • alignment of optical array 240 with the initial input path 213 from light source 214, with the beam impinging upon the optical divider 241 at angle P, defines one limit for an operating range.
  • angle P most of the light is directed to the output path 232 which is aligned with optical fiber 224.
  • Virtually none of the light goes to the output beam 231 that is aligned with fiber optic cable 218.
  • divider 241 aligned to the input path 213Q at angle Q essentially none of the input light beam is diverted to the output beam 232 that is launched into the receptor end of fiber optic cable 224. In this situation, most of the light goes to the output beam 231 supplying fiber optic cable 218.
  • Fig. 11 affords a plan view of a continuously variable ratio beam splitter/launcher 210 mounted on a frame 215 and including an optical apparatus 211, shown with the top 201 of a cover 202 cut away to disclose two optical arrays 240 and 340.
  • Optical arrays 240 and 340 are mounted on supports 261 and 361, respectively.
  • Support 261 is pivotally mounted on a base plate 209, a part of frame 215, by means of a pivot pin 204 that is press fit into the support.
  • Pin 204 is centered on the axis 262 (see Fig. 10). and its top end 204A is ground to a spherical configuration (Fig. 11A), thus affording minimum (point) contact between pin 204 and an L-shaped leaf spring 205.
  • Spring 205 is mounted on base plate 209 by an elongated retainer post or screw 206, and assures retention of support 261 on pin 204.
  • the hold-down pressure afforded to pin 204 by leaf spring 205 is adjusted and held constant by adjustment of screw 206, thus affording a simple assembly method, a simple adjustment method and a simple retention method without material friction loading.
  • a similar mounting arrangement comprising a pivot pin 304 having a spherical top, a leaf spring 305, and a retainer post 306, is used to mount the support 361 for optical array 340 on base plate 209.
  • a ramp or inclined cam member 265 is an integral part of support member 261, Fig. 11.
  • Cam 265 is engaged by an axially movable adjustment screw 264 that replaces the plunger 64 of the micrometer head 12 in the prior embodiment (see Figs. 3 and 4).
  • the adjustment screw 264, Figs. 11 and 12 can be threaded into the top 201 of cover 202.
  • a spring 266 connected between a pin 203 projecting from base plate 215 and another pin 207 mounted on support 261 (Fig. 11) completes the angular adjustment mechanism for optical array 240.
  • the angular adjustment works in the same manner as previously described for Figs. 3 and 4.
  • an inclined cam member 365 that is a part of the pivotal support 361 is engaged by a vertically adjustable screw 364.
  • This arrangement in conjunction with a spring 366 between two pins 303 and 307, provides the same simple, accurate, and effective means for shifting the angular alignment of optical array 340 to vary the intensity ratio of its output beams 331 and 332.
  • Optical array 240 in Fig. 11 is the same as shown in Fig. 10; it includes the angle-responsive beam divider 241 and prisms 242 and 244.
  • Divider 241 as shown is an interference filter, but it may be a dual prism construction as shown in Fig. 2 or a commercially available thin-film beam splitting cube.
  • An input beam on path 213, from a laser or other appropriate source 214, is split into two output beams 231 and 232 as previously described.
  • the intensity ratio of beams 231 and 232 is adjusted by utilizing adjustment screw 264 working against inclined cam 265, in conjunction with spring 266, to control the angular orientation of array 240, and particularly divider 241, within a given limited adjustment range, relative to the input beam path 213.
  • Optical array 340 on its adjustable support 361, is a duplicate of array 240. It includes the input beam divider 341, which may be a commercially available beam splitting cube, a dual prism construction like the divider 41,43 of Fig. 2, an interference filter, or any other device that varys the intensity of two output beams responsive to changes in its alignment with an input beam. In this instance the input beam impinging on divider 341 is the second output beam 232 from optical array 240.
  • Optical array 340 further comprises a penta prism 344 and a right-angle prism 342; prisms 342 and 344 are fixedly aligned with each other and with divider 341, on an adjustable support 361, as in the previously described embodiments (Figs. 2 and 10).
  • Array 340 is mounted on the support 361; a pivot pin 304 is press fit into the support and rotatably mounted in base 209. Pin 304 has a spherical top engaged by an L-shaped leaf spring 305 affixed to base 209 by a screw 306.
  • a first output beam 331 from optical array 340 is derived directly from divider 341.
  • a second output beam 332 is projected from the output prism 342.
  • the intensity ratio between beams 331 and 332 is determined by the angular alignment of array 340 relative to its input beam 232. That alignment is adjusted as desired by use of screw 364 and cam 365, together with return spring 366.
  • penta prisms 244 and 344 should have mirror coatings on appropriate surfaces and all surfaces where light enters or exits at a glass-air interface should be anti-reflection coated.
  • An index-matching adhesive is preferably used between mating surfaces of the prisms.
  • optical arrays 240 and 340 in the beam splitter/launcher 210 of Fig. 11 Operation of the optical arrays 240 and 340 in the beam splitter/launcher 210 of Fig. 11 is as described for Fig. 10, except that an input beam on path 213 from source 214 may be split twice instead of just once.
  • the initial beam split occurs in optical array 240, based on its angular alignment relative to input beam path 213. This determines the division of the available light between beams 231 and 232.
  • beam 232 is again split, into two output beams 331 and 332, with the intensity ratio determined by the angular orientation of array 340 to its input beam 232.
  • any desired intensity ratio between the output beams 231, 331 and 332 can be established by appropriate adjustment of the alignments of optical arrays 240 and 340, with only minimal overall losses in beam splitter/beam launcher 210.
  • the beam splitter and launcher is essentially immune to ordinary vibration (e.g., from machinery operating nearby, personnel or equipment passing on relatively resilient floors, etc.).
  • Frame 215 of beam splitter and launcher 210 in addition to base plate 209, includes two vertical support plates 401 and 402 (Fig. 12).
  • Plate 401 is securely affixed to plate 209 and plate 402 is affixed to and projects upwardly from a bottom plate 403.
  • the bottom plate 403 may be bolted or otherwise mounted on a desk, worktable, or other reasonably stable surface.
  • a plurality of clamp bolts 404 extending through slots 405 in plate 402 and threaded into plate 401 join frame members 401 and 402; the vertical position of plate 401, and hence of base plate 209, is readily adjusted by means of a pair of height adjustment screws 406 (Figs. 11 and 12) threaded through base plate 209 and engaging the top of vertical plate 402.
  • the input light beam enters housing 202 of beam splitter/launcher 210 along path 213, from source 214, through a small aperture 213′, Figs. 11 and 12.
  • Aperture 213′ is aligned with the external light source 214.
  • Output beams may emerge through any or all of three apertures 231′, 331′ or 332′ in housing 202.
  • Positioners 221, 321 and 328 are used to align and position the three fiber optic light transmission elements 218, 318 and 324 with the output beams emerging from apertures 231′, 331′ and 332′, respectively.
  • Positioner 221 for light transmission element (fiber optic cable) 218 is illustrated in Figs. 11-13; positioner 221 is also representative of the other two positioners 321 and 328 for fiber optic cables 318 and 324.
  • Positioner 321 comprises a housing 411, preferably a metal casting, enclosing a chamber 412 (Fig. 13) covered on one side by a plate 413.
  • An outer support member 414 is mounted in chamber 412 by two leaf springs 415. One end of each of springs 415 is affixed to support member 414, and the other ends of the springs are affixed to housing 411, which limits the movement of support member 414 to one plane only.
  • a rod 416 having a high-pitch external thread is affixed to member 414 and projects toward one end wall 417 of housing 411.
  • the external thread on rod 416 is engaged in a threaded socket 418 in another rod 419 that has an external thread of lower pitch; rod 419 extends through and is threaded into an internally threaded aperture 421 in housing wall 417.
  • An X-axis adjustment knob 422 is affixed to rod 419.
  • An inner support member 424 is supported in chamber 412 by two leaf springs 425, each are affixed at one end to inner support member 424 and at the other end to an arm 423 of outer support member 414 which limits the movement of inner support member 424 to one plane only.
  • the individual movements of supports 414 and 424 are in the same plane, being limited to that plane by leaf springs 415 and 425, but are approximately 90° to each other.
  • the motion of outer support member 414 also moves inner support member 424 in the same plane due to the attachment of inner support member 424 to outer support member 414.
  • a rod 426 having a high-pitch external thread is affixed to inner support member 424, projecting into an internally threaded aperture 431 in block 414; aperture 431 is substantially larger than rod 426.
  • Aperture 431 receives another, larger rod 429 having an external thread, matching that of the aperture, that is of appreciably lower pitch than the thread on rod 426.
  • Rod 429 has an internally threaded socket 428 into which rod 426 is threaded.
  • a Y-axis adjustment knob 432 is affixed to the outer end of rod 429.
  • An aperture through member 424 receives a cable holder sleeve 434, encompassing a lens 435 for output cable 218 (see Fig. 13) as explained more fully hereinafter.
  • positioner 221 includes pitch and yaw adjustments to supplement the X and Y axis adjustments afforded by knobs 422 and 432.
  • a vertical frame member comprising a plate 436 is securely mounted on and projects upwardly from base plate 209.
  • Two leaf springs a horizontal (yaw) spring 437 and a vertical (pitch) spring 438, are affixed to the lower right-hand corner of plate 436, as seen in Fig. 12; the free end of each of the springs 437 and 438 engages and presses outwardly against positioner housing 411.
  • This relationship is perhaps better shown by the corresponding leaf springs 537 (yaw) and 538 (pitch) mounted on the vertical frame member 536 for the positioner 321, engaging its housing 511; see Fig. 12.
  • a rod 441 having a high-pitch external thread is fixedly mounted on vertical frame member 436 and projects into housing 411 of positioner 221 (Fig. 11).
  • a larger diameter rod 442 having an external thread of a lower pitch is threaded into an aperture 443 in the cover 413 of housing 411 and a yaw adjustment knob 444 is mounted on the external end of rod 442.
  • the high-pitch thread on the smaller rod 441 is received in a threaded socket in the larger rod 442, as in the previously described adjustment mechanisms for the X and Y axes; see Figs. 11-13.
  • the pitch adjustment for positioner 221 essentially duplicates the yaw mechanism.
  • Rod 446 has a lower-pitch external thread engaged in a threaded aperture 447 in cover 413 of housing 411.
  • a pitch adjustment knob 448 is mounted on the outer end of rod 446.
  • Leaf springs 437 and 438 effectively confine yaw and pitch adjustment movements of positioner 221 to a predetermined yaw adjustment plane and a predetermined pitch adjustment plane, respectively.
  • a further elements of the pitch and yaw adjustment mechanism is a post or threaded rod 481 of nylon or other slightly flexible material affixed securely at one end to vertical plate 436, at approximately the point where leaf springs 437 and 438 are also attached.
  • the other end of rod 481 is affixed to positioner housing 411.
  • the presence of post 481 adds stability and a fixed rotation point for both pitch and yaw adjustments.
  • the location of post 481 (and the attachment points for leaf springs 437 and 438) should be as close as possible to the optical fiber axis to provide for the least difficult adjustments of pitch, yaw, X axis, and Y axis.
  • positioner 221 There is one more adjustment mechanism in positioner 221, a Z axis adjustment.
  • fiber optic cable 218, in a sleeve or holder 434 passes through positioner housing 411.
  • Collar 451 provides a means to allow an external clamping point for holder 434, provides stability to holder 434, and carries the combined motions of inner support 424 and outer support 414 to holder 434.
  • Collar 451 also provides for rotation of holder 434; holder 434 is held rigid in the collar by set screw 452.
  • Holder 434 also extends into an aperture 453 in frame member 436.
  • the lens 435 at the end of fiber optic cable 218 is preferably positioned just beyond the surface of frame member 436 facing optical housing 202.
  • Holder 434 is secured in collar 451 by the set screw 452; Z axis adjustment, which is not unduly critical, is accomplished with the set screw.
  • positioner 321 for optical fiber cable 318 includes a main housing 511 and is mounted on a vertical frame member 536 by means of the springs 537 and 538 together with a yaw adjustment mechanism 541,542,544 and a pitch adjustment mechanism 545,546,548.
  • X axis adjustment is afforded by a knob 522 operating a rod 518;
  • Y axis adjustment is provided by a knob 532 operating on rod 529.
  • Z axis adjustments as before, are afforded by a set screw 552 on a collar 551 encompassing a holder sleeve 534 on the end of fiber optic cable 318.
  • Positioner 328 similarly, comprises a housing 611 mounted on a vertical frame member 636 in the same manner as described for positioners 221 and 321.
  • Positioner 328 has an X axis adjustment knob 622, a Y axis adjustment member 632, yaw and pitch adjustment knobs 644 and 648, and a Z axis set screw adjustment 652 in a collar 651.
  • threaded rods 416 and 419 afford a compound differential screw in which a substantial rotary displacement of knob 422 on rod results in a much smaller axial displacement of rod 416 and its guide member/support block 414 than would be the case with a simple adjustment screw with an external thread.
  • the larger or primary adjustment rod 419 may have a diameter of one fourth inch and an outer thread with a pitch of twenty-eight threads per inch, whereas the thread on the smaller secondary rod 416 may have a pitch of thirty-two threads/inch, with a size corresponding to No. 6 wire gauge.
  • Fig. 14 shows a preferred construction for the input or reception end of the fiber optic cable 218, a construction also applicable to the receptor ends of cables 318 and 324.
  • the receptor end 718 of cable 218 (the actual fiber optic is represented by line 719) includes cable holder sleeve 434. A description of the manner in which receptor end 718 of fiber optic cable 218 is assembled will afford the best description of its construction.
  • optical fiber 719 is inserted into a ferrule 721, with a portion of the sheath 720 of cable 218 extending into the ferrule.
  • Ferrule 721 is a length of brass tubing having a very small axial opening to receive fiber 719, with a small cup like depression at the end of the ferrule opposite cable sheath 720.
  • the cup-like depression in ferrule 721 leads into a short enlarged length of the axial opening.
  • a fiber guide 722 is inserted over the end of fiber 719 and seated in the enlarged portion of the axial opening in ferrule 721.
  • Guide 722 may be a length of stainless steel hypodermic needle stock.
  • Guide 722 is recessed about 0.02 to 0.03 inch, in the cup-like depression in the end of ferrule 721, which is now filled with epoxy resin 723. The resulting assembly is then heated to cure the resin.
  • Lens 435 is then aligned with the exposed, polished end of fiber 719 located approximately at the focal point of the lens. If possible, lens 435 should be selected to have approximately the same numerical aperture as fiber 719, for maximum efficiency. If receptor 718 is at the output end for cable 218, such a numerical aperture match results in an approximately collimated beam output.
  • An optical matching adhesive 724 is then deposited in the gap between the end of lens 435 and the end of optical fiber 719, and the lens position is adjusted to assure accurate focusing of the lens on the optical fiber.
  • the refractive index of adhesive 724 is preferably near the average index of fiber 719 and lens 435.
  • a brass or aluminum sleeve 725 is slid over lens 435 and ferrule 721 and secured in place with a fast curing epoxy resin 726, firmly securing ferrule 721, lens 435, and optical fiber 719 in place relative to each other.
  • Matching adhesive 724 is then cured, using ultra violet light.
  • the resulting fiber/lens assembly is then coated with additional fast curing epoxy resin 726 and inserted into the outer sleeve or holder 434.
  • a metal lens tip protection sleeve 727 is inserted into the end of holder 434, and is secured in place with the fast curing resin 726, and a cylindrical, flexible plastic tip is mounted on the outer end of sleeve 727.
  • Lens 435 is preferably of the type known as a "gradient-index lens"; a rod lens of this type combines refraction at its planar end surfaces with continuous refraction within the rod. In the preferred construction, lens 435 has a pitch of 0.25 or slight less at the wavelength of the light beam processed in beam splitter/beam launcher 210.
  • the other fiber optic cables 318 and 324 are provided with lens/holder structures as shown in Fig. 14.
  • beam splitter/launcher 210 for operation, it is assumed at the outset that the laser or other light source 214 is accurately aligned with device 210 so that light beam 213 enters opening 213′ in wall 202 of housing 201 (Figs. 11,12) and impinges upon beam divider 241 in optical array 240.
  • Support 261 may be rotated to produce a perceptible output beam 231 through aperture 231′.
  • At this juncture positioner 221 is adjusted to obtain maximum output from the light transmission element, fiber optic cable 218. Cable 218 has previously been inserted to the approximate desired location along the Z axis as previously stated, with its axis of maximum propagation aligned with the plane of polarization of the laser light source 214.
  • positioner 321 for fiber optic cable 318.
  • optical supports 261 and 361 are adjusted to afford a readily perceptible output beam 331 through aperture 331′ in housing 201 (Fig. 11), impinging on the input end of the lens in the end of the holder for the reception end of optic fiber 318.
  • the X axis, Y axis, yaw and pitch adjustments are made, using knobs 522, 532, 544 and 548 of positioner 321, just as with positioner 221 and cable 218, to obtain maximum output from fiber optic cable 318.
  • positioner 328 is adjusted in the same way, using its knobs 622, 632, 644 and 648.
  • the beam splitter/launcher 210 is ready for operation over a long time span and for a wide variety of intensity ratios for its output beams 231, 331 and 332 without further positioner adjustments.
  • the two intensity ratio adjustment means comprising optical supports 261 and 361 and their cams 265 and 365 and screws 264 and 364 can be realigned, as desired, to produce intensity ratios for beams 231, 331 and 332 such as 30:30:10, 25:25:50, within the limits of the capability of the beamsplitter devices 241 and 341 to pass and reflect light.
  • any intensity ratio change is effected simply by adjustment of the alignments of optical supports 261 and 361 to their input beams 213 and 232; no other realignment or other readjustment is required.
  • positioners 221, 321 and 328 play an important role as regards overall performance of the beam splitter/launcher. They afford positive action in both directions of travel for their complete combination of X and Y axis and pitch and yaw adjustments. Their differential screw adjustments, each affording a substantial mechanical advantage, allow for accurate positioning with minimum effort and minimum tendency toward dislocation due to vibration or ordinary shock effects.
  • the spring mounts for the positioners effectively provide zero friction suspensions for them.
  • the fiber optic cable chucks and integral lenses used in device 210 are also quite advantageous.
  • the Z axis setting is not critical and is only for ease of alignment of the X, Y, pitch and yaw axes.
  • the really critical Z axis alignment e.g. the location of the polished input end of optical fiber 719 in relation to the rear focal point of lens 435, has been precisely and permanently affixed in sleeve 434. Location of the fiber optic receptor end in the output beam path is easily accomplished.
  • the beam splitter/beam launcher devices of the invention each afford an integrated system for dividing a beam, on an intensity basis, in any desired ratio, continuously adjustable over a broad ratio range.
  • the beam splitter optics, the fiber optic positioners, and the fiber optic all contribute to the end result.
  • the substantial immunity of the system to external vibration/shock forces, with its fixed orientation for the output beams, is a major factor in its overall value.

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  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Optical Couplings Of Light Guides (AREA)
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Claims (23)

  1. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux (10) pour diviser un faisceau de lumière d'entrée (I3A) en des premier et second faisceaux de lumière de sortie (31, 32) et pour émettre ces faisceaux de sortie à travers des premier et second éléments de transmission de lumière (18, 24), comprenant un châssis (15), un support optique (61) monté à rotation sur le châssis (15), un élément de division optique (41, 43) fixé au support optique (61) pour transmettre partiellement le faisceau de lumière incident (13A) le long d'un premier trajet optique (13A7) et pour réfléchir partiellement le faisceau de lumière incident le long d'un second trajet optique (13A2-13A6), cet élément de division (41, 43) étant disposé de telle façon que le rapport d'intensité des faisceaux transmis le long du premier trajet et réfléchi le long du second trajet varie en fonction de l'angle d'incidence du faisceau d'entrée (13A) tombant sur cet élément, des moyens (12, 64, 65) de réglage du rapport d'intensité reliés au châssis (15) et au support optique (61) et disposés de manière à faire tourner le support optique (61) par rapport au châssis (15), dans une plage de réglage limitée, afin de faire varier l'angle d'incidence du faisceau tombant sur l'élément de division (41, 43), de manière à faire varier le rapport d'intensité entre les faisceaux de sortie (31, 32), des première et seconde lentilles (16, 17) pour focaliser les faisceaux de lumière (13A7, 13A6) respectivement transmis le long du premier trajet et réfléchi le long du second trajet, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend :
       un prisme pentagonal (44) fixé au support optique (61) et disposé de manière à recevoir le faisceau de lumière (13A2) réfléchi à partir de l'élément de division optique, un prisme à angle droit (42) fixé au support optique (61) et disposé de manière à réfléchir le faisceau de lumière (13A4) reçu à partir du prisme pentagonal (44) et des premier et second dispositifs (21, 28) de réglage de la position des éléments de transmission, fixés chacun au châssis (15) pour régler avec précision la position des portions réceptrices des premier et second éléments de transmission (18, 24) par rapport aux faisceaux de lumière focalisés respectivement dans les premier et second trajets, l'élément de division (41, 43), le prime pentagonal (44) et le prisme à angle droit (42) étant disposés de telle façon que les premier et second faisceaux de sortie (31, 32) dérivés à partir des faisceaux de lumière partiellement transmis et partiellement réfléchi (13A7, 13A6) soient situés approximativemant à angle droit l'un par rapport à l'autre, indépendamment des réglages du support optique (61) dans la plage de réglage limitée donnée.
  2. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'élément de division optique (41, 43) est un cube diviseur de faisceau.
  3. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'élément de division optique (41, 43) est formé de deux prismes à angle droit alignés de telle façon que leurs surfaces d'hypoténuse (45, 52) soient opposées l'une à l'autre.
  4. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon la revendication 1, dans lequel:
    - le premier élément de transmission (18; 218) est constitué par un premier câble à fibre optique ayant une extrémité montée dans le premier dispositif de réglage de position (21, 221), sur le trajet du premier faisceau de sortie (31, 231); et
    - le second élément de transmission (24) est constitué par un second câble à fibre optique ayant une extrémité montée dans le second dispositif de réglage de position (28) sur le trajet du second faisceau de sortie (32).
  5. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon la revendication 4, dans lequel chaque dispositif de réglage de position (21, 28; 221) assure des réglages séparés pour un alignement suivant l'axe X, un alignement suivant l'axe Y, un alignement suivant un axe de lacet, un alignement suivant un axe de tangage, un alignement suivant un axe Z et un alignement en rotation.
  6. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon la revendication 5, dans lequel chaque dispositif de réglage de position (par exemple le dispositif 221) est monté, en un emplacement sur le châssis (215), au moyen de deux ressorts à lames (437, 438) décalés angulairement, qui font saillie à distance de cet emplacement, en étant disposés approximativement à 90 l'un par rapport à l'autre, et les ressorts à lame (437, 438) confinent les mouvements d'alignement de lacet et les mouvements d'alignement de tangage respectivement à un plan d'alignement de lacet prédéterminé et à un plan d'alignement de tangage prédéterminé.
  7. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon la revendication 5 ou 6, dans lequel les ressorts à lames (415, 425), dans chaque dispositif de réglage de position, limitent les mouvements d'alignement suivant l'axe X et suivant l'axe Y à des mouvements dans un seul plan X-Y.
  8. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon la revendication 5, dans lequel les mouvements d'alignement suivant l'axe X et suivant l'axe Y sont confinés à un plan commun X-Y, les mouvements d'alignement suivant l'axe Z s'effectuent à 90 par rapport au plan X-Y, et l'alignement en rotation est centré sur l'axe Z.
  9. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, dans lequel des premier et second ressorts à lame (415, 425) dans chaque dispositif de réglage de position (par exemple le dispositif 221) limitent les mouvements d'alignement suivant l'axe X et suivant l'axe Y à des mouvements dans un seul plan X-Y, chaque dispositif de réglage de position (par exemple le dispositif 221) est monté, en un emplacement sur le châssis (215), au moyen de troisième et quatrième ressorts à lame (437, 438), décalés angulairement, qui font saillie à distance à partir de cet emplacement, en étant situés approximativement à 90 l'un par rapport à l'autre, et les troisième et quatrième ressorts à lame (437, 438) confinent les mouvements d'alignement de lacet et les mouvements d'alignement de tangage respectivement à un plan d'alignement de lacet prédéterminé et un plan d'alignement de tangage prédéterminé.
  10. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon la revendication 5, dans lequel chacun des quatre premiers réglages d'alignement indiqués comprend un dispositif de réglage à vis différentielle composite (par exemple 416, 419; 426, 429).
  11. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon la revendication 10, dans lequel toutes les vis différentielles composites (par exemple 416, 419; 426, 429) ont des pièces interchangeables.
  12. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon la revendication 5, dans lequel les mouvements X, Y, de tangage et de lacet sont tous supportés et maintenus stables par des ressorts à lame (415, 425, 437, 438).
  13. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon la revendication 4 ou 10, dans lequel chaque câble à fibre optique (par exemple 218) a une lentille à gradient d'indice (435) montée dans l'extrémité du câble.
  14. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le prisme pentagonal (44) a des première et seconde surfaces de côté d'angle droit (55, 56), la première surface de côtés d'angle droit (55) du prisme pentagonal s'étendant en travers du trajet du faisceau de lumière partiellement réfléchi, tandis que la seconde surface de côté d'angle droit (56) du prisme pentagonal est en butée contre la première surface de côté d'angle droit (51) du prisme à angle droit (42), de manière à émettre le second faisceau de sortie (32) le long d'un trajet s'étendant à l'extérieur à partir de la seconde surface de côté d'angle droit (49) du prisme à angle droit.
  15. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 14, dans lequel les moyens (12, 64, 65) de réglage du rapport d'intensité font tourner le support optique (61) autour d'un axe (62) situé en un point sur un prolongement du trajet du faisceau d'entrée (13X) au-delà de l'élément de division optique (41, 43).
  16. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 15, dans lequel le premier élément de transmission (18) est un premier câble à fibre optique ayant une extrémité montée à l'emplacement du foyer d'une première lentille (16), cette extrémité étant tournée vers la lentille, et le second élément de transmission (24) est un second câble à fibre optique ayant une extrémité montée à l'emplacement du foyer de la seconde lentille (17), cette extrémité étant tournée vers cette lentille.
  17. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon la revendication 16, dans lequel chaque câble à fibre optique (par exemple 218) a une lentille à gradient d'indice (435) montée dans l'extrémité du câble en tant que moyen à lentille associé.
  18. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon la revendication 16, dans lequel chaque câble à fibre optique (par exemple 218) a une lentille (435) montée dans un support protecteur (434) dans une extrémité du câble, cette extrémité du câble constituant la portion de réception de l'élément de transmission respectif (719).
  19. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon la revendication 18, dans lequel la lentille dans chaque élément de transmission est une lentille à gradient d'indice (435).
  20. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon l'une quelconque des revendications 15 à 19, dans lequel les moyens de réglage du rapport d'intensité comprennent en outre un doigt formant pivot (204) fixé au support optique (261) et ayant un axe correspondant à l'axe de rotation (262), le pivot (204) s'engageant dans un logement prévu dans le châssis (209, 215) et faisant également saillie au-dessus du support (261), un ressort à lame (205) en contact avec le pivot (204), pour maintenir le pivot et le support (261) à l'alignement sur le châssis (209, 215), et une vis de réglage (206) assurant le montage du ressort à lame sur le châssis (209, 215).
  21. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon la revendication 20, dans lequel le contact entre le pivot (204) et le ressort à lame (205) est limité à un contact ponctuel.
  22. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon la revendication 15, dans lequel les moyens (12, 64, 65) de réglage du rapport d'intensité comprennent en outre une vis de réglage (64) portant sur un plan incliné (65).
  23. Diviseur de faisceau/émetteur de faisceaux selon la revendication 4 ou la revendication 16 et la revendication 20, et comprenant en outre un moyen pour la démonstration de phénomènes d'interférence, comprenant une paire de blocs (121, 122) en contact à glissement l'un avec l'autre, le long de surfaces linéaires d'accouplement (121A, 122A), chaque bloc (121, 122) comportant un trou récepteur allongé (123, 124) s'étendant à travers lui, pour recevoir l'extrémité distale (18B, 24B) de la fibre optique provenant de l'un des câbles à fibre optique (18, 24), chacun des trous récepteurs (123, 124) étant aligné suivant un angle aigu, notablement inférieur à 45 , par rapport aux surfaces d'accouplement (121A, 122A) des blocs, les extrémités distales (18B, 24B) des fibres optiques étant conformées de manière à venir en contact l'une avec l'autre, le long des surfaces linéaires d'accouplement (121A, 122A) des blocs (121, 122), avec l'extrémité de chaque fibre optique exposée à l'endroit de l'extrémité de son trou récepteur (123, 124), les extrémités exposées de chaque fibre optique étant meulées et polies de manière à réfracter la lumière s'échappant parallèlement aux surfaces d'accouplement (121A, 122A) des blocs (121, 122), un mouvement de glissement relatif entre les deux blocs (121, 122) permettant de démontrer les phénomènes d'interférence.
EP89112380A 1988-07-11 1989-07-06 Diviseur à intensité variable et aiguilleur de faisceaux Expired - Lifetime EP0350793B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/217,433 US4859029A (en) 1986-07-03 1988-07-11 Variable ratio beam splitter and beam launcher
US217433 1988-07-11

Publications (3)

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EP0350793A2 EP0350793A2 (fr) 1990-01-17
EP0350793A3 EP0350793A3 (en) 1990-11-22
EP0350793B1 true EP0350793B1 (fr) 1994-10-05

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US (1) US4859029A (fr)
EP (1) EP0350793B1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH0273204A (fr)
CA (1) CA1322483C (fr)
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Publication number Publication date
US4859029A (en) 1989-08-22
CA1322483C (fr) 1993-09-28
EP0350793A3 (en) 1990-11-22
DE68918644D1 (de) 1994-11-10
EP0350793A2 (fr) 1990-01-17
DE68918644T2 (de) 1995-03-02
JPH0273204A (ja) 1990-03-13

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